One thing I’ve always admired about the people of Crow Wing County is how quick we are to lend a hand, especially when the holidays roll around. Thanksgiving and Christmas are meant to be a time of warmth, family, and full tables. But for too many of our neighbors this year, the table might be empty.

Right now, according to Second Harvest Northland data, more than 5,000 people in our county are food insecure. That means they’re not sure where their next meal is coming from. Many are working full-time, juggling bills, rent, and rising grocery costs, and still coming up short. Seniors are quietly skipping meals. Parents are stretching every dollar just to feed their kids. And during the holiday season, when the need is greatest, that burden weighs even heavier.

That’s why I’m proud to support the Stock the Shelves Food Drive. All of our local food shelves and meal sites in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Crosby-Ironton, Garrison, Emily, and Crosslake are working together to make sure no one in our community goes without. This is a chance for us, as neighbors, to step up and help.

Here’s how you can be part of it. You can donate money through the Lakes Area United Way. Every dollar is split evenly between our local food shelves and goes directly to feeding families right here at home. Or you can donate nonperishable food items like canned meats, soups and stews, peanut butter, boxed meals, and baking staples. Drop-off sites include Essentia Health St. Joseph’s in Brainerd, Crow Wing County Community Services, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, and Super One Foods in Pequot.

This time of year is about giving, gratitude, and gathering. Your donation might help a family sit down to a real Thanksgiving meal or make sure a child wakes up to something warm to eat on Christmas morning. That’s powerful.

Hard times can hit any of us. We all know life can turn in a hurry. But the strength of this community lies in how we show up for one another, not just in thought but in action.

Let’s come together this holiday season and Stock the Shelves. Let’s make sure every family in Crow Wing County has something to celebrate and something to eat.

With gratitude,

Steve Barrows

Crow Wing County Commissioner, District 3